Pastel de Nata in Portugal
The History of Pastel de Nata
The Pastel de Nata is more than just a tasty treat—it’s a sweet piece of Portuguese history. This beloved custard tart was first baked in the 18th century by monks at the Jerónimos Monastery in Belém, Lisbon. Back then, egg whites were used to starch clothes, leaving monks with lots of egg yolks. So, they turned them into something delicious—the first Pastel de Nata.
The monks sold these pastries to support the monastery, but when monasteries closed during the 1820s, they handed the secret recipe to a local sugar refinery. That led to the opening of the legendary Pastéis de Belém bakery in 1837, where the original recipe is still used today.
Now, the pastel de nata is a global icon. Crispy on the outside, creamy inside, and topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon—it’s a must-try for anyone visiting Portugal.
The Ultimate Pastel de Nata Taste
To uncover which pastel de nata reigns supreme, I embarked on a mission to try the most famous pastel de nata spots in Lisbon. With so many bakeries claiming to serve the best version, I set out to sample them all and compare their flavors, crusts, and fillings.
1.Natelier – Tiramisu & Cookie Cheesecake Pastéis de Nata (7/7)
Natelier doesn’t just do the classic—they go wild. Their Tiramisu Pastel de Nata? A full 7/7. Rich, creamy, and bold with coffee notes, it’s pure magic.
And don’t sleep on the Cookie Cheesecake version—sweet, slightly crunchy, and just as crave-worthy.
Even their original pastel has a lovely hint of lemon in the filling and a super flaky crust. Natelier’s Natas are fun, fresh, and full of flavor.
2. Manteigaria – Sweet Tooth Heaven (7/7)
These pastéis are the sweetest of the bunch—and if you love sugar, you’ll love Manteigaria.
They’re not as flaky, but that strong cinnamon flavor and ultra-smooth custard totally make up for it. A solid classic.
3. Castro – Classic With a Cinnamon Kick (7/7)
Castro brings the crunch. With a super flaky crust and a generous shake of cinnamon, it hits all the right notes.
Less sweet than Manteigaria, but bolder in spice. It’s tied in my book with Natelier’s Cookie Cheesecake—different vibes, but equally delicious
4. Fábrica da Nata – Authentic and Eggy (6/7)
This one leans traditional with a strong egg custard flavor and a good flaky crust .
The sweetness is on the subtle side (not as sweet as castro), making it perfect for those who prefer their pastries less sugary
5. Pastéis de Belém – The Original Classic (4/7)
As the birthplace of the pastel de nata, Pastéis de Belém holds a lot of historical significance. The crust is a bit tough and chewy, flaky texture of some of the other options. The custard is decent but not as sweet, which might appeal to some, but felt a bit flat compared to the others. It’s a classic and definitely worth trying for its historical value.
Conclusion
Lisbon is full of amazing places to try the iconic pastel de nata, from traditional bakes to creative twists. Whether you like them flaky, sweet, zesty, or rich—there’s a perfect tart for every taste.
So go ahead—taste your way through Lisbon. Your sweet tooth will thank you.
